2002-2007 BA-BF FORD FALCON XR6T

While Fsord’s XR6 was initially a way to add some mid-range spice to Ford’s EB Falcon range, back in 1991, the introduction of a turbo powerplant for the BA raised the stakes to a whole new level. Of course by this stage the host engine had become a ver y different animal, too. Though still a straight six, the extensively re-engineered 24-valvse 4.0lt was to become one of Ford Australia’s great all-time engines in its own right, even without the puffer.

The BA version used a single Garrett turbocharger set to deliver a moderate 0.4 bar of boost. The compression ratio was down only slightly on the normally aspirated XR6 (8.7:1 against 9.7:1) so torque deliver y from the boosted engine began below 2000rpm and topped out at a substantial 450Nm.

The ageing T5 five-speed manual was best at exploiting the XR6T’s straight-line performance but for city and winding-road use, the four-speed auto delivered instant and stress-free response.

BA Turbos began at $44,640, or almost $6000 more than the ‘atmo’ car. At that price they still lacked the near-essential ‘Premium’ brake package, which added $2900 to the basic cost. Spending an additional $920 replaced the five-speed with the mode-selectable automatic.

Over time, the available transmissions (and numerous other aspects) were upgraded, so a BF could be ordered with a six-speed manual or auto, with the former being a rare choice.

At the moment $10k will easily get you something workable in this range, while mid-teens should score a ver y nice car. We reckon that’s value, partly because the range really hasn’t yet caught on with collectors. One day it will.